Birth Control Basics

What questions should a woman ask herself when selecting a birth control method?

Do I feel confident using it?

Does it make sense for my budget?

Is it convenient enough that I will use it appropriately and consistently?

All of the above

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: All of the above. Choosing a birth control method is an important decision. Start the process by asking yourself some of the above questions as well as, "Am I comfortable with how effective it is?" and "Is it ideal, given my sexual practices and childbearing wishes?" It's also important to find the right gynecologist to answer questions and help guide the decision-making process.

Birth Control Basics

Question 2 of 20 Correct

What is the leading contraceptive method among women?

The Pill

IUD

The patch

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: The most popular method of birth control is the Pill, used by 10.7 million women in the United States, followed by female sterilization, condoms, male sterilization and other methods of birth control.

Birth Control Basics

Question 3 of 20 Correct

True or false: The Pill is the best method of birth control.

TRUE

FALSE

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: This is false. There is no "best" method of birth control. Each method has it pros and cons for every woman. Before choosing a birth control that is best for her, a woman should consider her overall health, how often she has sex, possible side effects and her comfort level with using the method.

Birth Control Basics

Question 4 of 20 Correct

Which age range has the most unplanned pregnancies?

Women in their 20s

Women in their 30s

Women in their 40s

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: Research shows that 75 percent of pregnancies in women over age 40 are unplanned.

Birth Control Basics

Question 5 of 20 Correct

What is the difference between the Pill and the mini-pill?

The mini-pill only has one hormone.

The Pill can be taken at different times every day.

The mini-pill is less effective.

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: Combined oral contraceptives, also called the Pill, contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. It needs to be taken at the same time each day and is 91 to 99 percent effective. The mini-pill only has one hormone, progestin, and is taken at the same time every day. It is good for women, like new mothers, who can't take estrogen. It is also 91 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Birth Control Basics

Question 6 of 20 Correct

True or false: The Pill causes weight gain.

TRUE

FALSE

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: This is false. Many studies show that the Pill actually does not cause weight gain.

Birth Control Basics

Question 7 of 20 Correct

Which of the following is an added bonus of the Pill?

Lighter periods

Decreases the risk of ovarian cancer

Gets rid of migraines

All of the above

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: In addition to preventing pregnancy, the Pill also gives women lighter periods, migraine prevention and a lower risk of uteran and ovarian cancer.

Birth Control Basics

Question 8 of 20 Correct

True or false: Obese and overweight women using the Pill to prevent pregnancy have a slightly higher failure rate compared with women of normal weight.

TRUE

FALSE

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: This is true. However, the overall effectiveness of the Pill is still very high in overweight and obese women when used correctly. Further, it's much better at preventing pregnancy than some other contraceptives such as condoms.

Birth Control Basics

Question 9 of 20 Correct

True or false: The Pill can lower a woman's risk of heart disease.

TRUE

FALSE

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: This is false. While today's birth control pills have lower doses of hormones than ever before and have greatly lowered the risk of side effects, there is still a higher chance of heart disease, high blood pressure, blood clots, depression, nausea, headaches, sore breasts and irregular bleeding. The pros of the Pill include more regular and lighter periods, fewer menstrual cramps and a lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), noncancerous ovarian cysts and iron deficiency anemia.

Birth Control Basics

Question 10 of 20 Correct

How long does it take for the Pill to start working once a woman first starts using it?

5 days

2 weeks

1 month

It depends

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: It depends. The birth control pill may start to be effective after the first five days, but many doctors suggest using condoms at least one month after starting the pill to prevent pregnancy. (This gives the pill time to start working and also helps the woman get in the habit of taking it.) Many doctors recommend using condoms 100 percent of the time to prevent STDs.

Birth Control Basics

Question 11 of 20 Correct

How many birth control pills do most women miss per package?

At least 1

At least 3

At least 5

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: On average, most women on the Pill miss or take at least three pills late per package. This drastically reduces their protection against pregnancy. Doctors suggest women take the Pill every day at the same time for optimal protection against pregnancy.

Birth Control Basics

Question 12 of 20 Correct

Which of the following is a potential side effect of the Pill?

Itchiness

Constipation

Nasal congestion

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: One potential side effect of the Pill is nasal congestion. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing bothersome congestion and are taking birth control pills, diuretics, beta blockers or anti-anxiety medication.

Birth Control Basics

Question 13 of 20 Correct

True or false: Studies show a 24 percent increase in the risk of breast cancer during the years women use oral contraceptives.

TRUE

FALSE

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: This is true. This increase in risk has been consistent in 54 studies of 53,000 women who had breast cancer in 25 different countries. The National Cancer Institute says the risk is slightly higher in women who are current or recent users, and the risk is highest in women who started the pill as teenagers. The pill does appear to reduce ovarian and uterine cancer risk.

Birth Control Basics

Question 14 of 20 Correct

Which of the following forms of birth control is extremely popular in Europe, but is only used by 2 to 3 percent of Americans?

IUDs

The shot

Barrier methods

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: The progesterone IUD is a device placed in the uterus that stays there for five years. It offers excellent contraception, gives you lighter periods and decreases the risk of uteran cancer. The biggest users of IUDs? Female gynecologists.

Birth Control Basics

Question 15 of 20 Correct

What letter is the intrauterine device shaped like?

U

T

O

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: It's in the name: The Copper T intrauterine device (IUD) is a small device shaped in the form of a "T". A doctor places the IUD in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Birth Control Basics

Question 16 of 20 Correct

How long can an IUD stay in the uterus?

3 years

5 years

7 years

10 years

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: The Copper T intrauterine device (IUD) can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years. The Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS) stays in the uterus for up to 5 years.

Birth Control Basics

Question 17 of 20 Correct

Which of the following birth control methods is the least effective?

The patch

The injection

Female condom

Cervical cap

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: The female condom is only 79 to 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. The patch is 91 to 99 percent effective, the injection is 94 to 99 percent effective and the cervical cap (or diaphragm) is 84 to 94 percent effective.

Birth Control Basics

Question 18 of 20 Correct

How often does a woman need to get a shot of the hormone progestin?

Every month

Every three months

Every six months

Once a year

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: The contraceptive injection or "shot" is of the hormone progestin in the buttocks or arm every three months from the doctor. It is 94 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Birth Control Basics

Question 19 of 20 Correct

How many women have ever used emergency contraception?

10 percent

15 percent

20 percent

25 percent

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: According to the CDC, approximately 10 percent of women have ever used emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill.

Birth Control Basics

Question 20 of 20 Correct

How many days after having unprotected sex can you take emergency contraception?

Up to 1 day after

Up to 3 days after

Up to 5 days after

Up to 7 days after

Correct!Sorry, that’s incorrect.

The correct answer is: Emergency contraception can be used up to five days after having unprotected sex, but the sooner the pills are taken, the better they will work. Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control and should only be used in emergency situations. Some emergency contraceptive pills are now available over the counter for women 17 years of age or older. Emergency contraceptive pills are available to women younger than 17 by prescription only.